Which of the following is not an Excavation Myth; 7 Key Facts

When we talk about excavation myth, we are referring to a widely held but false belief or idea about excavations.

From the question – Which of the following is not an Excavation Myth? 

Here we will be concerned about the facts surrounding excavation and excavation activities.

Let us get started.

Which of the following is not an Excavation Myth

1. Excavation activity can only be carried out by a competent person: Excavation activity should be carried out by a competent person who understands the risks associated with excavation activities and how well to manage them.
2. Excavation must be inspected during and after it has been completed: A competent person who fully understands the dangers and necessary precautions should inspect the excavation at the start of each shift. Excavations should also be inspected after any event that may have affected their strength or stability, or after a fall of rock or earth.
3. Shoring and Sloping of excavation is important to avoid cave-ins: Sloping, benching, or other approved cave-in protection systems must be utilized in excavations 5 feet or greater in depth. For excavations greater than 20 ft in depth, the slope or bench shall be designed by a registered professional engineer.
4. You cannot excavate anywhere: Before beginning excavation, establish the locations of underground and overhead utilities and services. When applicable contact utility companies and advise them before the start of the excavation.
5. Means of access and egress must be provided for every excavation: Employees working in trenches 4 feet deep or more should have an adequate and safe means of exit, such as ladders, steps, or ramps available at no more than 25 feet of lateral travel.
6. Excavation does affect nearby structures: Make sure excavations do not affect nearby structures or the foundations of nearby buildings or walls. Many garden or boundary walls have very shallow foundations which are easily undermined by even small trenches, causing the wall to collapse onto those working in the trench. Before digging starts, decide if extra support for the structure is needed.
7. You do need PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for excavation: You need PPE when working in excavation, some include a hard hat, safety glasses, safety gloves, a high-visibility vest, and safety shoes, etc.

Conclusion

Trenching and excavation work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are more likely than some other excavation-related incidents to result in worker fatalities. One cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car. An unprotected trench can be an early grave. Employers must ensure that workers enter trenches only after adequate protections are in place to address cave-in hazards. Other potential hazards associated with trenching work include falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and hazards from mobile equipment.

This should take off the myths about excavation contained in this blog post “Which of the following is not an Excavation Myth” that had clouded your mind and embrace the safe procedures.

Related Posts

Shoring Excavation; Amazing Technique To Do It Successfully

11 Best Excavation Safety Procedures (Excavation Safety)

What Are The Deadliest Excavation Hazards You Need To Know?

Creating a Trenching Safety Plan

20 Very Important Construction Site Safety Tips For You